forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

1

: effected by force used against opposition or resistance

2

: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful

forcibleness noun

forcibly

ˈfȯr-sə-blē 

adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters

Recent Examples on the Web

According to court documents, the forcible rape charge carries with it two enhancements that the victim was under 18 years old and that Ferguson kidnapped the victim, increased her risk of harm by moving her and used a deadly weapon while in the process of it. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025

The 54-year-old was charged with rape, forcible oral copulation, robbery, false imprisonment, and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. —City News Service, Orange County Register, 20 Feb. 2025

Contra Costa County prosecutors have charged Eric Ferguson, 49, with forcible rape in the April 2, 2002, attack near Laurel Road in Oakley, according to court documents. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025

The Geneva Conventions, which the United States and Israel both ratified, prohibit the forcible relocation of populations. —Qasim Nauman, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

Rhymes for forcible

• enforceable
• unenforceable

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective

forc·​i·​ble

ˈfōr-sə-bəl,

ˈfȯr-

1

: got, made, or done by force or violence

a forcible entrance

2

: forceful

forcibly

-blē

adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective

for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance

a forcible felony

forcibly adverb